$15 million federal funds for new cancer research program

As a result of C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition's advocacy efforts, $15 million for a new peer reviewed cancer research program is included in the final Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Appropriations Bill.

This new cancer research program will research cancers, like colorectal cancer, that are not addressed in the breast, prostate, lung and ovarian cancer research programs run by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Material Command.

The $15 million in funding for this new cancer research program was included in the final bill at the request of Representatives Kay Granger (R-TX) and Jim Moran (D-VA).

Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX) released the following statement today following House passage of the defense bill:

"I was pleased to support funding for colorectal cancer research through the establishment of a new peer reviewed cancer research program. Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the U.S. However, federal funding for colorectal cancer research has lagged behind funding for other diseases and I was pleased to support the creation of a peer reviewed cancer research program that will help to address this disparity."

Congresswoman Jim Moran (D-VA) released the following statement today following House passage of the defense bill:

"The recognition of the need for peer-reviewed research of colorectal cancer in the Defense Appropriations Bill is a testament to the professionalism and commitment of C3. They are as well informed as they are nice, an absolute pleasure to work with."

Dr. John L. Marshall, Division Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Chief, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Georgetown University Hospital, Associate Director, Clinical Research, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, released the following statement today following House passage of the defense bill:

"As a researcher, I know first-hand how difficult it is to secure funding for innovative cancer research. The $15 million in funding for a new peer reviewed cancer research program will not only help attract new researchers but it will play an important role in developing new treatments for colorectal cancer. I look forward to the implementation of this new program and the discoveries and innovations the funding will secure."

Carlea Bauman, President of C3: Colorectal Coalition released the following statement today following House passage of the defense bill:

"The $15 million in funding for this new peer reviewed cancer research program will fund research efforts that investigate new methods of studying early detection, screening and treatment of colorectal cancer as well as attracting new researchers to the field. Today marks an important milestone in the fight against colorectal cancer with research on track to receive its fair share of federal resources. We thank the House Appropriations Committee, and especially Representatives Granger and Moran for recognizing the need to step up the fight against this disease."